Operation lantern vs operation lotus

Both the ruling alliance National Democratic Alliance and the Grand Alliance in Bihar are concerned about the loyalties of their MLAs before the confidence motion that is scheduled for February 12.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

All JDU MLAs have been asked to be present in Patna for a dinner scheduled at the home of minister Shravan kumar. Next day all have been asked to reach the home of minister vijay Chowdhary. This is being done, JUD sources said, to make sure that all MLAs are accounted for before the crucial vote and no surprise is sprung at the last moment which could be cross voting by its MLAs or MLAs failing to turn up in the assembly on the day of voting.

Sources said former CM and RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav has reached out to his old friends in the JDU and sought their support in defeating the NDA in the assembly hall.

Similarly, all BJP MLAs have been sent to Bodh Gaya and will stay there till 11 February evening and return on 11 night. The reason for their Gaya visit has been termed a 'training program'.